The relationship between and predictors of quality of life after spinal cord injury at 3 and 15 months after discharge

Spinal Cord, 2010 · DOI: 10.1038/sc.2009.92 · Published: January 1, 2010

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looked at how quality of life (QOL) changes for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) after they leave rehabilitation. It examined factors that influence QOL at 3 months and 15 months post-discharge, using a model called the Disability Creation Process (DCP). The study found that personal factors like health competence and mood were key to QOL early on. Later, family support and earlier QOL became more important. Participation and environmental factors had less impact overall. The findings suggest that helping people improve their health competence, mood, and social support could boost their QOL after SCI. These are areas where interventions might make a real difference.

Study Duration

15 months

Participants

93 individuals with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Longitudinal study

Key Findings

1
Mean QOL scores did not significantly change between 3 and 15 months post-rehabilitation discharge.
2
At 3 months, health competence and mood state were the main predictors of QOL.
3
At 15 months, QOL at 3 months, health competence, and family support were the main predictors of QOL.

Research Summary

This longitudinal study investigated factors influencing quality of life (QOL) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) at 3 and 15 months post-rehabilitation discharge, using the Disability Creation Process (DCP) model. The study found that personal factors, particularly health competence and mood state, were significant predictors of QOL, especially in the early stages after discharge. Environmental factors, such as family support, became more important over time. The research suggests that interventions targeting modifiable factors like health competence, mood, and social support could improve QOL for individuals with SCI. Further research is planned to assess the stability of these findings over a longer period.

Practical Implications

Clinical Interventions

Target interventions to improve health competence and mood state in the early months post-discharge.

Social Support

Facilitate and strengthen family support networks for individuals with SCI to improve long-term QOL.

Policy and Environmental Changes

Address environmental barriers and promote participation to enhance QOL, although their direct impact may be less significant compared to personal factors.

Study Limitations

1
Loss of subjects over time may have introduced bias.
2
The imperfect tools used to measure participation and environmental factors may have underestimated their effect on QOL.
3
Lack of normative data for the QLI makes it impossible to determine if participants were already at normal values.

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